We have long known that behavioral treatment is an effective complement to other types of obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Now a recent study has confirmed its long-term effectiveness is so great that for some patients it may completely replace other forms of treatment.
The study, published in the BMJ, builds on initial results for a short-term trial in which patients were put on a very-low calorie diet for nine weeks in order to lose weight. The patients were then given counseling and advice about nutrition and exercise for one year. Over the year, patients who had lost weight maintained the weight lost, and many saw significant improvement in their sleep apnea. 48% of patients on the diet program no longer required CPAP for their sleep apnea, and 10% saw complete remission of their sleep apnea.
Behavioral treatment is not always the best option, but it is almost always an effective complement for people looking to get the best treatment possible for their obstructive sleep apnea. If you are being prescribed CPAP treatment and you feel your doctor has not adequately considered other treatment alternatives, perhaps you need a second opinion.
To learn more about treatment alternatives, please contact a local sleep dentist today.